Alicia Keys reveals she almost gave ‘If I Ain't Got You' to Christina Aguilera

As far as we’re concerned, Alicia Keys is a bonafide powerhouse. A legend in the R&B realm, Keys has spent years collecting Grammys (15, to be precise), acting, lending her industry expertise to The Voice panel, and advocating for women’s rights. But what if we told you, “If I Ain’t Got You” — one of her signature, soulful hits — almost went to someone else?In an interview with Stereogum, Keys opened up about her new album ALICIA, her evolution as both an artist and a woman, her work as an activist, motherhood, her acting career, and having “nothing to hide”. True to that theme, Keys revealed something none of us expected, “If I Ain’t Got You” nearly went to Christina Aguilera.

Had a supremely fun chat with one of my fave artists @AliciaKeys for @stereogum. We reminisced on A TON of career highlights: new album #ALICIA, first Grammy wins, working with Christina Aguilera & Beyoncé, her acting career, THAT Prince tribute & more! https://t.co/VHLbyy4khM

— Pusha Bi. (@BiancaEnRogue) September 18, 2020

Keys explained that the pair were on the same label at the time. “She reached out and was like, ‘Would you write something for me?’ And then it came through so many emails. What a voice! I know I could write something fire for her,” said Keys. “So time passed and I hadn’t written the song yet. And [the label] was like, “Do you have anything for Christina?’ I remember I had just recently written ‘If I Ain’t Got You.’”